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Marreddy RKR, Phelps GA, Churion K, Picker J, Powell R, Cherian PT, Bowling JJ, Stephan CC, Lee RE, Hurdle JG. Chemical genetic analysis of enoxolone inhibition of C. difficile toxin production reveals adenine deaminase and ATP synthase as anti-virulence targets. J Biol Chem 2024:107839. [PMID: 39343002 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxins TcdA and TcdB are the main virulence factors of Clostridioides difficile, a leading cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea. Despite their importance, there is a significant knowledge gap of druggable targets for inhibiting toxin production. To address this, we screened non-antibiotic phytochemicals to identify potential chemical genetic probes to discover anti-virulence drug targets. This led to the identification of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (enoxolone), a licorice metabolite, as an inhibitor of TcdA and TcdB biosynthesis. Using affinity-based proteomics, potential targets were identified as ATP synthase subunit alpha (AtpA) and adenine deaminase (Ade, which catalyzes conversion of adenine to hypoxanthine in the purine salvage pathway). To validate these targets, a multi-faceted approach was adopted. Gene silencing of ade and atpA inhibited toxin biosynthesis, while SPR and ITC molecular interaction analyses revealed direct binding of enoxolone to Ade. Metabolomics demonstrated enoxolone induced the accumulation of adenosine, while depleting hypoxanthine and ATP in C. difficile. Transcriptomics further revealed enoxolone dysregulated phosphate uptake genes, which correlated with reduced cellular phosphate levels. These findings suggest that enoxolone's cellular action is multi-targeted. Accordingly, supplementation with both hypoxanthine and triethyl phosphate (TEP), a phosphate source, was required to fully restore toxin production in the presence of enoxolone. In conclusion, through the characterization of enoxolone, we identified promising anti-virulence targets that interfere with nucleotide salvage and ATP synthesis, which may also block toxin biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi K R Marreddy
- Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Gregory A Phelps
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis TN, 38103 USA
| | - Kelly Churion
- Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jonathan Picker
- Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Reid Powell
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Philip T Cherian
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - John J Bowling
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Clifford C Stephan
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Richard E Lee
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Julian G Hurdle
- Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
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2
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Xie Y, Irwin S, Chupina Estrada A, Nelson B, Bullock A, Fontenot L, Feng H, Sun M, Koon HW. Loratadine as an Anti-inflammatory Agent Against Clostridium difficile Toxin B. J Infect Dis 2024; 230:545-557. [PMID: 38243838 PMCID: PMC11420802 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiae021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a debilitating nosocomial infection. C. difficile produces toxins A and B, which cause inflammation. Existing therapies have issues with recurrence, cost, and safety. We aim to discover a safe, effective, and economical nonmicrobiological therapeutic approach against CDI. METHODS We included human primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), fresh human colonic explants, and humanized HuCD34-NCG mice. Toxin A+B+ VPI 10463 and A-B+ ribotype 017 C. difficile strains were used. We used single-cell RNA profiling and high-throughput screening to find actionable toxin B-dependent pathways in PBMCs. RESULTS Histamine 1 receptor-related drugs were found among the hit compounds that reversed toxin-mediated macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP) 1α expression in PBMCs. We identified loratadine as the safest representative antihistamine for therapeutic development. Loratadine inhibited toxin B-induced MIP-1α secretion in fresh human colonic tissues. Oral loratadine (10 mg/kg/d) maintained survival, inhibited intestinal CCl3 messenger RNA expression, and prevented vancomycin-associated recurrence in the VPI 10463-infected mice and ribotype 017-infected hamsters. Splenocytes from loratadine-treated mice conferred anti-inflammatory effects to the VPI 10463-infected T/B-cell--deficient Rag-/- mice. Oral loratadine suppressed human MIP-1α expression in monocytes/macrophages in toxin B-expressing ribotype 017-infected humanized HuCD34-NCG mice. CONCLUSIONS Loratadine may be repurposed to optimize existing therapies against CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xie
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang City, China
| | - Sophie Irwin
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Andrea Chupina Estrada
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Becca Nelson
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ashlen Bullock
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lindsey Fontenot
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Hanping Feng
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mingjun Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang City, China
| | - Hon Wai Koon
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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3
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Di Bella S, Sanson G, Monticelli J, Zerbato V, Principe L, Giuffrè M, Pipitone G, Luzzati R. Clostridioides difficile infection: history, epidemiology, risk factors, prevention, clinical manifestations, treatment, and future options. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024; 37:e0013523. [PMID: 38421181 PMCID: PMC11324037 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00135-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYClostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is one of the major issues in nosocomial infections. This bacterium is constantly evolving and poses complex challenges for clinicians, often encountered in real-life scenarios. In the face of CDI, we are increasingly equipped with new therapeutic strategies, such as monoclonal antibodies and live biotherapeutic products, which need to be thoroughly understood to fully harness their benefits. Moreover, interesting options are currently under study for the future, including bacteriophages, vaccines, and antibiotic inhibitors. Surveillance and prevention strategies continue to play a pivotal role in limiting the spread of the infection. In this review, we aim to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of epidemiological aspects, predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnostic tools, and current and future prophylactic and therapeutic options for C. difficile infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Di Bella
- Clinical Department of
Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Trieste
University, Trieste,
Italy
| | - Gianfranco Sanson
- Clinical Department of
Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Trieste
University, Trieste,
Italy
| | - Jacopo Monticelli
- Infectious Diseases
Unit, Trieste University Hospital
(ASUGI), Trieste,
Italy
| | - Verena Zerbato
- Infectious Diseases
Unit, Trieste University Hospital
(ASUGI), Trieste,
Italy
| | - Luigi Principe
- Microbiology and
Virology Unit, Great Metropolitan Hospital
“Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli”,
Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Mauro Giuffrè
- Clinical Department of
Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Trieste
University, Trieste,
Italy
- Department of Internal
Medicine (Digestive Diseases), Yale School of Medicine, Yale
University, New Haven,
Connecticut, USA
| | - Giuseppe Pipitone
- Infectious Diseases
Unit, ARNAS Civico-Di Cristina
Hospital, Palermo,
Italy
| | - Roberto Luzzati
- Clinical Department of
Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Trieste
University, Trieste,
Italy
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4
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Glajzner P, Bernat A, Jasińska-Stroschein M. Improving the treatment of bacterial infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria through drug repositioning. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1397602. [PMID: 38910882 PMCID: PMC11193365 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1397602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug repurposing (repositioning) is a dynamically-developing area in the search for effective therapy of infectious diseases. Repositioning existing drugs with a well-known pharmacological and toxicological profile is an attractive method for quickly discovering new therapeutic indications. The off-label use of drugs for infectious diseases requires much less capital and time, and can hasten progress in the development of new antimicrobial drugs, including antibiotics. The use of drug repositioning in searching for new therapeutic options has brought promising results for many viral infectious diseases, such as Ebola, ZIKA, Dengue, and HCV. This review describes the most favorable results for repositioned drugs for the treatment of bacterial infections. It comprises publications from various databases including PubMed and Web of Science published from 2015 to 2023. The following search keywords/strings were used: drug repositioning and/or repurposing and/or antibacterial activity and/or infectious diseases. Treatment options for infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria were taken into account, including methicillin-resistant staphylococci, multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis, or carbapenem-resistant bacteria from the Enterobacteriaceae family. It analyses the safety profiles of the included drugs and their synergistic combinations with antibiotics and discusses the potential of antibacterial drugs with antiparasitic, anticancer, antipsychotic effects, and those used in metabolic diseases. Drug repositioning may be an effective response to public health threats related to the spread of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains and the growing antibiotic resistance of microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Glajzner
- Department of Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
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5
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Alves de Lima e Silva A, Rio-Tinto A. Ebselen: A Promising Repurposing Drug to Treat Infections Caused by Multidrug-Resistant Microorganisms. Interdiscip Perspect Infect Dis 2024; 2024:9109041. [PMID: 38586592 PMCID: PMC10998725 DOI: 10.1155/2024/9109041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial multiresistance to drugs is a rapidly growing global phenomenon. New resistance mechanisms have been described in different bacterial pathogens, threatening the effective treatment of even common infectious diseases. The problem worsens in infections associated with biofilms because, in addition to the pathogen's multiresistance, the biofilm provides a barrier that prevents antimicrobial access. Several "non-antibiotic" drugs have antimicrobial activity, even though it is not their primary therapeutic purpose. However, due to the urgent need to develop effective antimicrobials to treat diseases caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens, there has been an increase in research into "non-antibiotic" drugs to offer an alternative therapy through the so-called drug repositioning or repurposing. The prospect of new uses for existing drugs has the advantage of reducing the time and effort required to develop new compounds. Moreover, many drugs are already well characterized regarding toxicity and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties. Ebselen has shown promise for use as a repurposing drug for antimicrobial purposes. It is a synthetic organoselenium with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cytoprotective activity. A very attractive factor for using ebselen is that, in addition to potent antimicrobial activity, its minimum inhibitory concentration is very low for microbial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agostinho Alves de Lima e Silva
- Laboratory of Biology and Physiology of Microorganisms, Biomedical Institute, DMP, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro 20211-030, Brazil
| | - André Rio-Tinto
- Laboratory of Pathogenic Cocci and Microbiota, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
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6
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Pensinger DA, Dobrila HA, Stevenson DM, Hryckowian ND, Amador-Noguez D, Hryckowian AJ. Exogenous butyrate inhibits butyrogenic metabolism and alters virulence phenotypes in Clostridioides difficile. mBio 2024; 15:e0253523. [PMID: 38289141 PMCID: PMC10936429 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02535-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiome engenders colonization resistance against the diarrheal pathogen Clostridioides difficile, but the molecular basis of this colonization resistance is incompletely understood. A prominent class of gut microbiome-produced metabolites important for colonization resistance against C. difficile is short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). In particular, one SCFA (butyrate) decreases the fitness of C. difficile in vitro and is correlated with C. difficile-inhospitable gut environments, both in mice and in humans. Here, we demonstrate that butyrate-dependent growth inhibition in C. difficile occurs under conditions where C. difficile also produces butyrate as a metabolic end product. Furthermore, we show that exogenous butyrate is internalized into C. difficile cells and is incorporated into intracellular CoA pools where it is metabolized in a reverse (energetically unfavorable) direction to crotonyl-CoA and (S)-3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA and/or 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA. This internalization of butyrate and reverse metabolic flow of a butyrogenic pathway(s) in C. difficile coincides with alterations in toxin release and sporulation. Together, this work highlights butyrate as a marker of a C. difficile-inhospitable environment to which C. difficile responds by releasing its diarrheagenic toxins and producing environmentally resistant spores necessary for transmission between hosts. These findings provide foundational data for understanding the molecular and genetic basis of how C. difficile growth is inhibited by butyrate and how butyrate alters C. difficile virulence in the face of a highly competitive and dynamic gut environment.IMPORTANCEThe gut microbiome engenders colonization resistance against the diarrheal pathogen Clostridioides difficile, but the molecular basis of this colonization resistance is incompletely understood, which hinders the development of novel therapeutic interventions for C. difficile infection (CDI). We investigated how C. difficile responds to butyrate, an end-product of gut microbiome community metabolism which inhibits C. difficile growth. We show that exogenously produced butyrate is internalized into C. difficile, which inhibits C. difficile growth by interfering with its own butyrate production. This growth inhibition coincides with increased toxin release from C. difficile cells and the production of environmentally resistant spores necessary for transmission between hosts. Future work to disentangle the molecular mechanisms underlying these growth and virulence phenotypes will likely lead to new strategies to restrict C. difficile growth in the gut and minimize its pathogenesis during CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A. Pensinger
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Horia A. Dobrila
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Microbiology Doctoral Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - David M. Stevenson
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Nicole D. Hryckowian
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Daniel Amador-Noguez
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Andrew J. Hryckowian
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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7
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Paparella AS, Brew I, Hong HA, Ferriera W, Cutting S, Lamiable-Oulaidi F, Popadynec M, Tyler PC, Schramm VL. Isofagomine Inhibits Multiple TcdB Variants and Protects Mice from Clostridioides difficile-Induced Mortality. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:928-937. [PMID: 38334357 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile causes life-threatening diarrhea and is one of the leading causes of nosocomial infections. During infection, C. difficile releases two gut-damaging toxins, TcdA and TcdB, which are the primary determinants of disease pathogenesis and are important therapeutic targets. Once in the cytosol of mammalian cells, TcdA and TcdB use UDP-glucose to glucosylate host Rho GTPases, which leads to cytoskeletal changes that result in a loss of intestinal integrity. Isofagomine inhibits TcdA and TcdB as a mimic of the glucocation transition state of the glucosyltransferase reaction. However, sequence variants of TcdA and TcdB across the clades of infective C. difficile continue to be identified, and therefore, evaluation of isofagomine inhibition against multiple toxin variants is required. Here, we show that isofagomine inhibits the glucosyltransferase domain of multiple TcdB variants and protects TcdB-induced cell rounding of the most common full-length toxin variants. Furthermore, we demonstrate that isofagomine protects against C. difficile-induced mortality in two murine models of C. difficile infection. Isofagomine treatment of mouse C. difficile infection also permitted the recovery of the gastrointestinal microbiota, an important barrier to preventing recurring C. difficile infection. The broad specificity of isofagomine supports its potential as a prophylactic to protect against C. difficile-induced morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh S Paparella
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, United States
| | - Isabella Brew
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, United States
| | - Huynh A Hong
- SporeGen Ltd., The London BioScience Innovation Centre, London NW1 0NH, U.K
| | - William Ferriera
- SporeGen Ltd., The London BioScience Innovation Centre, London NW1 0NH, U.K
| | - Simon Cutting
- SporeGen Ltd., The London BioScience Innovation Centre, London NW1 0NH, U.K
| | - Farah Lamiable-Oulaidi
- The Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, Lower Hutt 5010, New Zealand
| | - Michael Popadynec
- The Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, Lower Hutt 5010, New Zealand
| | - Peter C Tyler
- The Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, Lower Hutt 5010, New Zealand
| | - Vern L Schramm
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, United States
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8
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Bratkovič T, Zahirović A, Bizjak M, Rupnik M, Štrukelj B, Berlec A. New treatment approaches for Clostridioides difficile infections: alternatives to antibiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2337312. [PMID: 38591915 PMCID: PMC11005816 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2337312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile causes a range of debilitating intestinal symptoms that may be fatal. It is particularly problematic as a hospital-acquired infection, causing significant costs to the health care system. Antibiotics, such as vancomycin and fidaxomicin, are still the drugs of choice for C. difficile infections, but their effectiveness is limited, and microbial interventions are emerging as a new treatment option. This paper focuses on alternative treatment approaches, which are currently in various stages of development and can be divided into four therapeutic strategies. Direct killing of C. difficile (i) includes beside established antibiotics, less studied bacteriophages, and their derivatives, such as endolysins and tailocins. Restoration of microbiota composition and function (ii) is achieved with fecal microbiota transplantation, which has recently been approved, with standardized defined microbial mixtures, and with probiotics, which have been administered with moderate success. Prevention of deleterious effects of antibiotics on microbiota is achieved with agents for the neutralization of antibiotics that act in the gut and are nearing regulatory approval. Neutralization of C. difficile toxins (iii) which are crucial virulence factors is achieved with antibodies/antibody fragments or alternative binding proteins. Of these, the monoclonal antibody bezlotoxumab is already in clinical use. Immunomodulation (iv) can help eliminate or prevent C. difficile infection by interfering with cytokine signaling. Small-molecule agents without bacteriolytic activity are usually selected by drug repurposing and can act via a variety of mechanisms. The multiple treatment options described in this article provide optimism for the future treatment of C. difficile infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomaž Bratkovič
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Abida Zahirović
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maruša Bizjak
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Rupnik
- National Laboratory for Health, Environment and Food, Prvomajska 1, Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Borut Štrukelj
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Aleš Berlec
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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9
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Paparella AS, Brew I, Hong HA, Ferriera W, Cutting S, Lamiable-Oulaidi F, Popadynec M, Tyler PC, Schramm VL. Isofagomine inhibits multiple TcdB variants and protects mice from Clostridioides difficile induced mortality. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.19.558375. [PMID: 37781587 PMCID: PMC10541099 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.19.558375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile causes life-threatening diarrhea and is the leading cause of healthcare associated bacterial infections in the United States. During infection, C. difficile releases the gut-damaging toxins, TcdA and TcdB, the primary determinants of disease pathogenesis and are therefore therapeutic targets. TcdA and TcdB contain a glycosyltransferase domain that uses UDP-glucose to glycosylate host Rho GTPases, causing cytoskeletal changes that result in a loss of intestinal integrity. Isofagomine inhibits TcdA and TcdB as a mimic of the oxocarbenium ion transition state of the glycosyltransferase reaction. However, sequence variants of TcdA and TcdB across the clades of infective C. difficile continue to be identified and therefore, evaluation of isofagomine inhibition against multiple toxin variants are required. Here we show that Isofagomine inhibits the glycosyltransferase activity of multiple TcdB variants and also protects TcdB toxin-induced cell rounding of the most common full-length toxin variants. Further, isofagomine protects against C. difficile induced mortality in two murine models of C. difficile infection. Isofagomine treatment of mouse C. difficile infection permitted recovery of the gastrointestinal microbiota, an important barrier to prevent recurring C. difficile infection. The broad specificity of isofagomine supports its potential as a prophylactic to protect against C. difficile induced morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh S. Paparella
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Isabella Brew
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Huynh A. Hong
- SporeGen Ltd, The London BioScience Innovation Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - William Ferriera
- SporeGen Ltd, The London BioScience Innovation Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Cutting
- SporeGen Ltd, The London BioScience Innovation Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - Farah Lamiable-Oulaidi
- The Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
| | - Michael Popadynec
- The Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
| | - Peter C. Tyler
- The Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
| | - Vern L. Schramm
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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10
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Dicks LMT. Biofilm Formation of Clostridioides difficile, Toxin Production and Alternatives to Conventional Antibiotics in the Treatment of CDI. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2161. [PMID: 37764005 PMCID: PMC10534356 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile is considered a nosocomial pathogen that flares up in patients exposed to antibiotic treatment. However, four out of ten patients diagnosed with C. difficile infection (CDI) acquired the infection from non-hospitalized individuals, many of whom have not been treated with antibiotics. Treatment of recurrent CDI (rCDI) with antibiotics, especially vancomycin (VAN) and metronidazole (MNZ), increases the risk of experiencing a relapse by as much as 70%. Fidaxomicin, on the other hand, proved more effective than VAN and MNZ by preventing the initial transcription of RNA toxin genes. Alternative forms of treatment include quorum quenching (QQ) that blocks toxin synthesis, binding of small anion molecules such as tolevamer to toxins, monoclonal antibodies, such as bezlotoxumab and actoxumab, bacteriophage therapy, probiotics, and fecal microbial transplants (FMTs). This review summarizes factors that affect the colonization of C. difficile and the pathogenicity of toxins TcdA and TcdB. The different approaches experimented with in the destruction of C. difficile and treatment of CDI are evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon M T Dicks
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
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11
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Pensinger DA, Dobrila HA, Stevenson DM, Davis NM, Amador-Noguez D, Hryckowian AJ. Exogenous butyrate inhibits butyrogenic metabolism and alters expression of virulence genes in Clostridioides difficile. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.06.548018. [PMID: 37461482 PMCID: PMC10350080 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.06.548018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
The gut microbiome engenders colonization resistance against the diarrheal pathogen Clostridioides difficile but the molecular basis of this colonization resistance is incompletely understood. A prominent class of gut microbiome-produced metabolites important for colonization resistance against C. difficile is short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). In particular, one SCFA (butyrate) decreases the fitness of C. difficile in vitro and is correlated with C. difficile-inhospitable gut environments, both in mice and in humans. Here, we demonstrate that butyrate-dependent growth inhibition in C. difficile occurs under conditions where C. difficile also produces butyrate as a metabolic end product. Furthermore, we show that exogenous butyrate is internalized into C. difficile cells, is incorporated into intracellular CoA pools where it is metabolized in a reverse (energetically unfavorable) direction to crotonyl-CoA and (S)-3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA and/or 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA. This internalization of butyrate and reverse metabolic flow of butyrogenic pathway(s) in C. difficile coincides with alterations in toxin production and sporulation. Together, this work highlights butyrate as a signal of a C. difficile inhospitable environment to which C. difficile responds by producing its diarrheagenic toxins and producing environmentally-resistant spores necessary for transmission between hosts. These findings provide foundational data for understanding the molecular and genetic basis of how C. difficile growth is inhibited by butyrate and how butyrate serves as a signal to alter C. difficile virulence in the face of a highly competitive and dynamic gut environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A. Pensinger
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Horia A. Dobrila
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- Microbiology Doctoral Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - David M. Stevenson
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Nicole M. Davis
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Andrew J. Hryckowian
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
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12
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Liu C, Zhang H, Peng X, Blackledge MS, Furlani RE, Li H, Su Z, Melander RJ, Melander C, Michalek S, Wu H. Small Molecule Attenuates Bacterial Virulence by Targeting Conserved Response Regulator. mBio 2023; 14:e0013723. [PMID: 37074183 PMCID: PMC10294662 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00137-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic tolerance within a biofilm community presents a serious public health challenge. Here, we report the identification of a 2-aminoimidazole derivative that inhibits biofilm formation by two pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria, Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus. In S. mutans, the compound binds to VicR, a key response regulator, at the N-terminal receiver domain, and concurrently inhibits expression of vicR and VicR-regulated genes, including the genes that encode the key biofilm matrix producing enzymes, Gtfs. The compound inhibits S. aureus biofilm formation via binding to a Staphylococcal VicR homolog. In addition, the inhibitor effectively attenuates S. mutans virulence in a rat model of dental caries. As the compound targets bacterial biofilms and virulence through a conserved transcriptional factor, it represents a promising new class of anti-infective agents that can be explored to prevent or treat a host of bacterial infections. IMPORTANCE Antibiotic resistance is a major public health issue due to the growing lack of effective anti-infective therapeutics. New alternatives to treat and prevent biofilm-driven microbial infections, which exhibit high tolerance to clinically available antibiotics, are urgently needed. We report the identification of a small molecule that inhibits biofilm formation by two important pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria, Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus. The small molecule selectively targets a transcriptional regulator leading to attenuation of a biofilm regulatory cascade and concurrent reduction of bacterial virulence in vivo. As the regulator is highly conserved, the finding has broad implication for the development of antivirulence therapeutics that selectively target biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham Schools of Dentistry and Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Schools of Dentistry and Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Hua Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham Schools of Dentistry and Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department of Integrative Biomedical & Diagnostic Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Schools of Dentistry and Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Xian Peng
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham Schools of Dentistry and Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Schools of Dentistry and Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Meghan S. Blackledge
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Robert E. Furlani
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Haoting Li
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Zhaoming Su
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Roberta J. Melander
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Christian Melander
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Suzanne Michalek
- Department of Integrative Biomedical & Diagnostic Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Hui Wu
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham Schools of Dentistry and Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department of Integrative Biomedical & Diagnostic Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Schools of Dentistry and Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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13
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Macegoniuk K, Tabor W, Mazzei L, Cianci M, Giurg M, Olech K, Burda-Grabowska M, Kaleta R, Grabowiecka A, Mucha A, Ciurli S, Berlicki Ł. Optimized Ebselen-Based Inhibitors of Bacterial Ureases with Nontypical Mode of Action. J Med Chem 2023; 66:2054-2063. [PMID: 36661843 PMCID: PMC9923736 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Screening of 25 analogs of Ebselen, diversified at the N-aromatic residue, led to the identification of the most potent inhibitors of Sporosarcina pasteurii urease reported to date. The presence of a dihalogenated phenyl ring caused exceptional activity of these 1,2-benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-ones, with Ki value in a low picomolar range (<20 pM). The affinity was attributed to the increased π-π and π-cation interactions of the dihalogenated phenyl ring with αHis323 and αArg339 during the initial step of binding. Complementary biological studies with selected compounds on the inhibition of ureolysis in whole Proteus mirabilis cells showed a very good potency (IC50 < 25 nM in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) buffer and IC90 < 50 nM in a urine model) for monosubstituted N-phenyl derivatives. The crystal structure of S. pasteurii urease inhibited by one of the most active analogs revealed the recurrent selenation of the Cys322 thiolate, yielding an unprecedented Cys322-S-Se-Se chemical moiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Macegoniuk
- Department
of Bioorganic Chemistry, Wrocław University
of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Wojciech Tabor
- Department
of Bioorganic Chemistry, Wrocław University
of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Luca Mazzei
- Laboratory
of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology
(FaBiT), University of Bologna, Viale Giuseppe Fanin 40, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Cianci
- Department
of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche 10, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Mirosław Giurg
- Department
of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Wrocław
University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Kamila Olech
- Department
of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Wrocław
University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Burda-Grabowska
- Department
of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Wrocław
University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Rafał Kaleta
- Department
of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Wrocław
University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Grabowiecka
- Department
of Bioorganic Chemistry, Wrocław University
of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Artur Mucha
- Department
of Bioorganic Chemistry, Wrocław University
of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Stefano Ciurli
- Laboratory
of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology
(FaBiT), University of Bologna, Viale Giuseppe Fanin 40, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Łukasz Berlicki
- Department
of Bioorganic Chemistry, Wrocław University
of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland,. Phone: +48 71 320
3344. Fax: +48 71 320 2427
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14
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Alamri MA, Tariq MH, Tahir Ul Qamar M, Alabbas AB, Alqahtani SM, Ahmad S. Discovery of potential phytochemicals as inhibitors of TcdB, a major virulence factors of Clostridioides difficile. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:12768-12776. [PMID: 36644848 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2167120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile is a gram-positive bacterium which is associated with different gastrointestinal related infections, and the numbers of cases related to it are continuously increasing in the past few years. Owing to high prevalence and development of resistance towards available antibiotics, it is required to develop new therapeutics to combat C. difficile infection. The current study was aimed to identify novel phytochemicals that could bind and inhibits the TcdB, an exotoxin which is required for the pathogenesis of bacteria, and hence can be considered as the future drug candidates against C. difficile. ∼2500 therapeutically important phyto-compounds were docked against the active sites of TcdB protein by using AutoDock-Vina software. The interactions between the ligands and the binding site of the top five docked complexes, based on the docking scores, were further elucidated by Molecular Dynamics Simulations of 500 ns, Molecular Mechanics Energies combined with the Poisson-Boltzmann and Surface Area (MMPBSA) or Generalized Born and Surface Area (MMGBSA), and WaterSwap Analysis. Findings of molecular docking suggested that natural compounds A183, A704, A1528, A2083, and A2129 with distinct chemical scaffolds are best docked in the binding site of TcdB and their bonding remained stable throughout the simulation studies of 500 ns. Compounds A2129 and A704 can be considered as prospective drug candidates against Clostridioides difficile, however, further wet lab experiments are needed to confirm our study.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mubarak A Alamri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Muhammad Tahir Ul Qamar
- Integrative Omics and Molecular Modeling Laboratory, Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Alhumaidi B Alabbas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Safar M Alqahtani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sajjad Ahmad
- Department of Health and Biological Sciences, Abasyn University, Peshawar, Pakistan
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15
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Antibacterial Activity of Ebselen. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021610. [PMID: 36675123 PMCID: PMC9864093 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ebselen is a low-molecular-weight organoselenium compound that has been broadly studied for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties. These advantageous properties were initially associated with mimicking the activity of selenoprotein glutathione peroxidase, but the biomedical impact of this compound appear to be far more complex. Ebselen serves as a substrate or inhibitor with multiple protein/enzyme targets, whereas inhibition typically originates from the covalent modification of cysteine residues by opening the benzisoselenazolone ring and S-Se bond formation. The inhibition of enzymes of various classes and origins has been associated with substantial antimicrobial potential among other activities. In this contribution, we summarize the current state of the art regarding the antibacterial activity of ebselen. This activity, alone and in combination with commercial pharmaceuticals, against pathogens, including those resistant to drugs, is presented, together with the molecular mechanism behind the reactivity. The specific inactivation of thioredoxin reductase, bacterial toxins, and other resistance factors is considered to have certain therapeutic implications. Synergistic action and sensitization to common antibiotics assisted with the use of ebselen appear to be promising directions in the treatment of persistent infections.
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16
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Bloom PP, Young VB. Microbiome therapeutics for the treatment of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2023; 23:89-101. [PMID: 36536532 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2022.2154600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The gut microbiome is implicated in Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) and recurrent CDI (rCDI). AREAS COVERED This review covers the mechanisms by which microbiome therapeutics treat rCDI, their efficacy and safety, and clinical trial design considerations for future research. EXPERT OPINION Altering the chemical environment of the gut and reconstituting colonization resistance is a promising strategy for preventing and treating rCDI. Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) is safe and effective for the treatment of rCDI. However, limitations of FMT have prompted investigation into alternative microbiome therapeutics. These alternative microbiome therapies require further evaluation, and adaptive trial designs should be strongly considered to more rapidly discern variables including the need for bowel preparation, timing and selection of pre-treatment antibiotics, and dose and duration of microbiome therapeutics. A broad range of adverse events must be prospectively evaluated in these controlled trials, as microbiome therapeutics have the potential for numerous effects. Future studies will lead to a greater understanding of the mechanisms by which microbiome therapies can break the cycle of rCDI, which should ultimately yield a personalized approach to rCDI treatment that restores an individual's specific deficit(s) in colonization resistance to C. difficile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia P Bloom
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, USA
| | - Vincent B Young
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Michigan, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, USA
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17
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Paparella A, Cahill SM, Aboulache BL, Schramm VL. Clostridioides difficile TcdB Toxin Glucosylates Rho GTPase by an S Ni Mechanism and Ion Pair Transition State. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:2507-2518. [PMID: 36038138 PMCID: PMC9486934 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Toxins TcdA and TcdB from Clostridioides difficile glucosylate human colon Rho GTPases. TcdA and TcdB glucosylation of RhoGTPases results in cytoskeletal changes, causing cell rounding and loss of intestinal integrity. Clostridial toxins TcdA and TcdB are proposed to catalyze glucosylation of Rho GTPases with retention of stereochemistry from UDP-glucose. We used kinetic isotope effects to analyze the mechanisms and transition-state structures of the glucohydrolase and glucosyltransferase activities of TcdB. TcdB catalyzes Rho GTPase glucosylation with retention of stereochemistry, while hydrolysis of UDP-glucose by TcdB causes inversion of stereochemistry. Kinetic analysis revealed TcdB glucosylation via the formation of a ternary complex with no intermediate, supporting an SNi mechanism with nucleophilic attack and leaving group departure occurring on the same face of the glucose ring. Kinetic isotope effects combined with quantum mechanical calculations revealed that the transition states of both glucohydrolase and glucosyltransferase activities of TcdB are highly dissociative. Specifically, the TcdB glucosyltransferase reaction proceeds via an SNi mechanism with the formation of a distinct oxocarbenium phosphate ion pair transition state where the glycosidic bond to the UDP leaving group breaks prior to attack of the threonine nucleophile from Rho GTPase.
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18
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Loureiro AV, Barbosa MLL, Morais MLGS, Souza IP, Terceiro LS, Martins CS, Sousa APR, Leitão RFC, Shin JH, Warren CA, Costa DVS, Brito GAC. Host and Clostridioides difficile-Response Modulated by Micronutrients and Glutamine: An Overview. Front Nutr 2022; 9:849301. [PMID: 35795588 PMCID: PMC9251358 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.849301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in intestinal microbiota are integral to development of Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile)—associated nosocomial diarrhea. Certain diets, especially Western diets, increase susceptibility to C. difficile infection (CDI). Here, we discuss recent findings regarding how nutrients modulate response of the host and C. difficile during infection. Calcium has a role in the sporulation and germination process. Selenium is effective in reducing the total amount of C. difficile toxin A (TcdA) and toxin B (TcdB) and in decreasing its cytotoxicity. In addition, selenium phosphate synthetase deficiency reduces C. difficile growth and spore production. On the other hand, iron has a dual role in C. difficile growth. For instance, high intracellular levels can generate reactive hydroxyl radicals, whereas low levels can reduce its growth. In humans, zinc deficiency appears to be related to the recurrence of CDI, in contrast, in the CDI model in mice a diet rich in zinc increased the toxin's activity. Low vitamin D levels contribute to C. difficile colonization, toxin production, and inflammation. Furthermore, glutamine appears to protect intestinal epithelial cells from the deleterious effects of TcdA and TcdB. In conclusion, nutrients play an important role in modulating host and pathogen response. However, further studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms and address some controversies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréa V. Loureiro
- Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Maria L. L. Barbosa
- Department of Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Maria L. G. S. Morais
- Department of Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Ismael P. Souza
- Department of Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Letícia S. Terceiro
- Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Conceição S. Martins
- Department of Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Arkila P. R. Sousa
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Renata F. C. Leitão
- Department of Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Jae H. Shin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, VA, United States
| | - Cirle A. Warren
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, VA, United States
| | - Deiziane V. S. Costa
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, VA, United States
| | - Gerly A. C. Brito
- Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
- Department of Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Gerly A. C. Brito
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19
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Kordus SL, Thomas AK, Lacy DB. Clostridioides difficile toxins: mechanisms of action and antitoxin therapeutics. Nat Rev Microbiol 2022; 20:285-298. [PMID: 34837014 PMCID: PMC9018519 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-021-00660-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile is a Gram-positive anaerobe that can cause a spectrum of disorders that range in severity from mild diarrhoea to fulminant colitis and/or death. The bacterium produces up to three toxins, which are considered the major virulence factors in C. difficile infection. These toxins promote inflammation, tissue damage and diarrhoea. In this Review, we highlight recent biochemical and structural advances in our understanding of the mechanisms that govern host-toxin interactions. Understanding how C. difficile toxins affect the host forms a foundation for developing novel strategies for treatment and prevention of C. difficile infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon L. Kordus
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA,Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA,These authors contributed equally: Shannon L. Kordus, Audrey K. Thomas
| | - Audrey K. Thomas
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA,Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA,These authors contributed equally: Shannon L. Kordus, Audrey K. Thomas
| | - D. Borden Lacy
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA,Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA,The Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare, System, Nashville, TN, USA,
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20
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Abstract
![]()
The paradigm of antivirulence
therapy dictates that bacterial pathogens
are specifically disarmed but not killed by neutralizing their virulence
factors. Clearance of the invading pathogen by the immune system is
promoted. As compared to antibiotics, the pathogen-selective antivirulence
drugs hold promise to minimize collateral damage to the beneficial
microbiome. Also, selective pressure for resistance is expected to
be lower because bacterial viability is not directly affected. Antivirulence
drugs are being developed for stand-alone prophylactic and therapeutic
treatments but also for combinatorial use with antibiotics. This Review
focuses on drug modalities that target bacterial exotoxins after the
secretion or release-upon-lysis. Exotoxins have a significant and
sometimes the primary role as the disease-causing virulence factor,
and thereby they are attractive targets for drug development. We describe
the key pre-clinical and clinical trial data that have led to the
approval of currently used exotoxin-targeted drugs, namely the monoclonal
antibodies bezlotoxumab (toxin B/TcdB, Clostridioides difficile), raxibacumab (anthrax toxin, Bacillus anthracis), and obiltoxaximab (anthrax toxin, Bacillus anthracis), but also to challenges with some of the promising leads. We also
highlight the recent developments in pre-clinical research sector
to develop exotoxin-targeted drug modalities, i.e., monoclonal antibodies,
antibody fragments, antibody mimetics, receptor analogs, neutralizing
scaffolds, dominant-negative mutants, and small molecules. We describe
how these exotoxin-targeted drug modalities work with high-resolution
structural knowledge and highlight their advantages and disadvantages
as antibiotic alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moona Sakari
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Unit for Infection and Immunity, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Arttu Laisi
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Unit for Infection and Immunity, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Arto T. Pulliainen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Unit for Infection and Immunity, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
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21
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Monaghan TM, Seekatz AM, Mullish BH, Moore-Gillon CCER, Dawson LF, Ahmed A, Kao D, Chan WC. Clostridioides difficile: innovations in target discovery and potential for therapeutic success. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:949-963. [PMID: 34793686 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.2008907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) remains a worldwide clinical problem. Increased incidence of primary infection, occurrence of hypertoxigenic ribotypes, and more frequent occurrence of drug resistant, recurrent, and non-hospital CDI, emphasizes the urgent unmet need of discovering new therapeutic targets. AREAS COVERED We searched PubMed and Web of Science databases for articles identifying novel therapeutic targets or treatments for C. difficile from 2001 to 2021. We present an updated review on current preclinical efforts on designing inhibitory compounds against these drug targets and indicate how these could become the focus of future therapeutic approaches. We also evaluate the increasing exploitability of gut microbial-derived metabolites and host-derived therapeutics targeting VEGF-A, immune targets and pathways, ion transporters, and microRNAs as anti-C. difficile therapeutics, which have yet to reach clinical trials. Our review also highlights the therapeutic potential of re-purposing currently available agents . We conclude by considering translational hurdles and possible strategies to mitigate these problems. EXPERT OPINION Considerable progress has been made in the development of new anti-CDI drug candidates. Nevertheless, a greater comprehension of CDI pathogenesis and host-microbe interactions is beginning to uncover potential novel therapeutic targets, which can be exploited to plug gaps in the CDI drug discovery pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya M Monaghan
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Anna M Seekatz
- Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Benjamin H Mullish
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Departments of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Claudia C E R Moore-Gillon
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Departments of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Lisa F Dawson
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ammar Ahmed
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Dina Kao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zeidler Ledcor Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Weng C Chan
- School of Pharmacy, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, UK
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22
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Inhibition of Clostridium difficile TcdA and TcdB toxins with transition state analogues. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6285. [PMID: 34725358 PMCID: PMC8560925 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26580-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium difficile causes life-threatening diarrhea and is the leading cause of healthcare-associated bacterial infections in the United States. TcdA and TcdB bacterial toxins are primary determinants of disease pathogenesis and are attractive therapeutic targets. TcdA and TcdB contain domains that use UDP-glucose to glucosylate and inactivate host Rho GTPases, resulting in cytoskeletal changes causing cell rounding and loss of intestinal integrity. Transition state analysis revealed glucocationic character for the TcdA and TcdB transition states. We identified transition state analogue inhibitors and characterized them by kinetic, thermodynamic and structural analysis. Iminosugars, isofagomine and noeuromycin mimic the transition state and inhibit both TcdA and TcdB by forming ternary complexes with Tcd and UDP, a product of the TcdA- and TcdB-catalyzed reactions. Both iminosugars prevent TcdA- and TcdB-induced cytotoxicity in cultured mammalian cells by preventing glucosylation of Rho GTPases. Iminosugar transition state analogues of the Tcd toxins show potential as therapeutics for C. difficile pathology. The Clostridium difficile virulence factors TcdA and TcdB contain a glucosyltransferase domain (GTD), which has both glucohydrolase (GH) and glucosyltransferase (GT) activities. Here, the authors characterize the transition state features of the TcdA and TcdB GH reactions by measuring kinetic isotope effects and they identify two transition state analogues, isofagomine and noeuromycin that inhibit TcdA and TcdB. They also present the crystal structures of TcdB-GTD bound to these inhibitors and the reaction product UDP.
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23
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Ebselen Not Only Inhibits Clostridioides difficile Toxins but Displays Redox-Associated Cellular Killing. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0044821. [PMID: 34468187 PMCID: PMC8557875 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00448-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ebselen, a reactive organoselenium compound, was shown to inhibit toxins TcdA and TcdB by covalently binding to their cysteine protease domains. It was suggested that ebselen lacked antimicrobial activity against Clostridioides difficile. However, this perception conflicts with C. difficile having essential cysteine-containing enzymes that could be potential targets and the reported antimicrobial activity of ebselen against other species. Hence, we reevaluated the anti-C. difficile properties of ebselen. Susceptibility testing revealed that its activity was either slightly reduced by pyruvate found in Wilkins-Chalgren agar or obliterated by blood in brucella agar. In brain heart infusion (BHI) agar, ebselen inhibited most C. difficile strains (MICs of 2 to 8 μg/ml), except for ribotype 078 that was intrinsically resistant (MIC = 32 to 128 μg/ml). Against C. difficile R20291, at concentrations below its minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC), 16 μg/ml, ebselen inhibited production of toxins and spores. Transcriptome analysis revealed that ebselen altered redox-associated processes and cysteine metabolism and enhanced expression of Stickland proline metabolism, likely to regenerate NAD+ from NADH. In cellular assays, ebselen induced uptake of cysteine, depleted nonprotein thiols, and disrupted the NAD+/NADH ratio. Taken together, killing of C. difficile cells by ebselen occurs by a multitarget action that includes disrupting intracellular redox, which is consistent with ebselen being a reactive molecule. However, the physiological relevance of these antimicrobial actions in treating acute C. difficile infection (CDI) is likely to be undermined by host factors, such as blood, which protect C. difficile from killing by ebselen. IMPORTANCE We show that ebselen kills pathogenic C. difficile by disrupting its redox homeostasis, changing the normal concentrations of NAD+ and NADH, which are critical for various metabolic functions in cells. However, this antimicrobial action is hampered by host components, namely, blood. Future discovery of ebselen analogues, or mechanistically similar compounds, that remain active in blood could be drug leads for CDI or probes to study C. difficile redox biology in vivo.
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Yakovlieva L, Fülleborn JA, Walvoort MTC. Opportunities and Challenges of Bacterial Glycosylation for the Development of Novel Antibacterial Strategies. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:745702. [PMID: 34630370 PMCID: PMC8498110 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.745702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycosylation is a ubiquitous process that is universally conserved in nature. The various products of glycosylation, such as polysaccharides, glycoproteins, and glycolipids, perform a myriad of intra- and extracellular functions. The multitude of roles performed by these molecules is reflected in the significant diversity of glycan structures and linkages found in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Importantly, glycosylation is highly relevant for the virulence of many bacterial pathogens. Various surface-associated glycoconjugates have been identified in bacteria that promote infectious behavior and survival in the host through motility, adhesion, molecular mimicry, and immune system manipulation. Interestingly, bacterial glycosylation systems that produce these virulence factors frequently feature rare monosaccharides and unusual glycosylation mechanisms. Owing to their marked difference from human glycosylation, bacterial glycosylation systems constitute promising antibacterial targets. With the rise of antibiotic resistance and depletion of the antibiotic pipeline, novel drug targets are urgently needed. Bacteria-specific glycosylation systems are especially promising for antivirulence therapies that do not eliminate a bacterial population, but rather alleviate its pathogenesis. In this review, we describe a selection of unique glycosylation systems in bacterial pathogens and their role in bacterial homeostasis and infection, with a focus on virulence factors. In addition, recent advances to inhibit the enzymes involved in these glycosylation systems and target the bacterial glycan structures directly will be highlighted. Together, this review provides an overview of the current status and promise for the future of using bacterial glycosylation to develop novel antibacterial strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liubov Yakovlieva
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Julius A Fülleborn
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Marthe T C Walvoort
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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25
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Parise A, Romeo I, Russo N, Marino T. The Se-S Bond Formation in the Covalent Inhibition Mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease by Ebselen-like Inhibitors: A Computational Study. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9792. [PMID: 34575955 PMCID: PMC8467846 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The inhibition mechanism of the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 by ebselen (EBS) and its analog with a hydroxyl group at position 2 of the benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-one ring (EBS-OH) was studied by using a density functional level of theory. Preliminary molecular dynamics simulations on the apo form of Mpro were performed taking into account both the hydrogen donor and acceptor natures of the Nδ and Nε of His41, a member of the catalytic dyad. The potential energy surfaces for the formation of the Se-S covalent bond mediated by EBS and EBS-OH on Mpro are discussed in detail. The EBS-OH shows a distinctive behavior with respect to EBS in the formation of the noncovalent complex. Due to the presence of canonical H-bonds and noncanonical ones involving less electronegative atoms, such as sulfur and selenium, the influence on the energy barriers and reaction energy of the Minnesota hybrid meta-GGA functionals M06, M06-2X and M08HX, and the more recent range-separated hybrid functional wB97X were also considered. The knowledge of the inhibition mechanism of Mpro by the small protease inhibitors EBS or EBS-OH can enlarge the possibilities for designing more potent and selective inhibitor-based drugs to be used in combination with other antiviral therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Parise
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università della Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy; (A.P.); (I.R.); (N.R.)
- Institut de Chimie Physique UMR8000, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, 91405 Orsay, France
| | - Isabella Romeo
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università della Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy; (A.P.); (I.R.); (N.R.)
| | - Nino Russo
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università della Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy; (A.P.); (I.R.); (N.R.)
| | - Tiziana Marino
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università della Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy; (A.P.); (I.R.); (N.R.)
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26
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Santi C, Scimmi C, Sancineto L. Ebselen and Analogues: Pharmacological Properties and Synthetic Strategies for Their Preparation. Molecules 2021; 26:4230. [PMID: 34299505 PMCID: PMC8306772 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26144230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ebselen is the leader of selenorganic compounds, and starting from its identification as mimetic of the key antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase, several papers have appeared in literature claiming its biological activities. It was the subject of several clinical trials and it is currently in clinical evaluation for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Given our interest in the synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of selenorganic derivatives with this review, we aimed to collect all the papers focused on the biological evaluation of ebselen and its close analogues, covering the timeline between 2016 and most of 2021. Our analysis evidences that, even if it lacks specificity when tested in vitro, being able to bind to every reactive cysteine, it proved to be always well tolerated in vivo, exerting no sign of toxicity whatever the administered doses. Besides, looking at the literature, we realized that no review article dealing with the synthetic approaches for the construction of the benzo[d][1,2]-selenazol-3(2H)-one scaffold is available; thus, a section of the present review article is completely devoted to this specific topic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luca Sancineto
- Group of Catalysis and Green Organic Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia Via del Liceo 1, 06122 Perugia, Italy; (C.S.); (C.S.)
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27
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Dias-da-Silva G, L O R Cunha R, D Coutinho-Neto M. Equilibrium between tri- and tetra-coordinate chalcogenuranes is critical for cysteine protease inhibition. J Comput Chem 2021; 42:1225-1235. [PMID: 33871893 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.26535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
There have been significant advances in the biological use of hypervalent selenium and tellurium compounds as cysteine protease inhibitors. However, the full understanding of their reaction mechanisms for and cysteine proteases inhibition is still elusive. Kinetic studies suggest an irreversible inhibition mechanism, which was explained by forming a covalent bond between the enzyme sulfhydryl group and the chalcogen atom at its hypervalent state (+4). In this work, we performed a theoretical investigation using density functional theory to propose the active inhibitor form in an aqueous solution. To this end, we investigated chloride ligand exchange reactions by oxygen and sulfur nucleophiles on hypervalent selenium and tellurium compounds. All tetra- and tri-coordinated chalcogen compounds and distinct protonation states of the nucleophiles were considered, totaling 34 unique species, 7 nucleophiles, and 155 free energies reactions. We discovered that chloride is easily replaced by a nonprotonated nucleophile (SH- or OH- ) in R2 SeCl2 . We also found that tri-coordinate species are more stable than their tetra-coordinate counterparts, with selenoxide (R2 SeO) protonation being strongly exergonic in acid pH. The thermodynamic and kinetic results suggest that the protonated selenoxide (R2 SeOH+ ) is the most probable active chemical species in biological media. The computed energetic profiles paint a possible picture for selenuranes activity, with successive exergonic steps leading to a covalent inhibition of thiol-dependent enzymes, like cysteine proteases. A second pathway has also been uncovered, with a direct reaction to chalcogenonium cation (R2 SeCl+ ) as the inhibition step. Tellurium compounds showed similar trends but formed telluroxide in a pH-independent fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Dias-da-Silva
- ABCSim - Laboratório de simulação e modelagem, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo L O R Cunha
- Laboratório de Biologia Química, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Mauricio D Coutinho-Neto
- ABCSim - Laboratório de simulação e modelagem, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, Brazil
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28
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NirA Is an Alternative Nitrite Reductase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa with Potential as an Antivirulence Target. mBio 2021; 12:mBio.00207-21. [PMID: 33879591 PMCID: PMC8092218 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00207-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of widespread antimicrobial resistance has led to the need for development of novel therapeutic interventions. Antivirulence strategies are an attractive alternative to classic antimicrobial therapy; however, they require identification of new specific targets which can be exploited in drug discovery programs. The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces an arsenal of virulence factors causing a wide range of diseases in multiple hosts and is difficult to eradicate due to its intrinsic resistance to antibiotics. With the antibacterial pipeline drying up, antivirulence therapy has become an attractive alternative strategy to the traditional use of antibiotics to treat P. aeruginosa infections. To identify P. aeruginosa genes required for virulence in multiple hosts, a random library of Tn5 mutants in strain PAO1-L was previously screened in vitro for those showing pleiotropic effects in the production of virulence phenotypes. Using this strategy, we identified a Tn5 mutant with an insertion in PA4130 showing reduced levels of a number of virulence traits in vitro. Construction of an isogenic mutant in this gene presented results similar to those for the Tn5 mutant. Furthermore, the PA4130 isogenic mutant showed substantial attenuation in disease models of Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans as well as reduced toxicity in human cell lines. Mice infected with this mutant demonstrated an 80% increased survival rate in acute and agar bead lung infection models. PA4130 codes for a protein with homology to nitrite and sulfite reductases. Overexpression of PA4130 in the presence of the siroheme synthase CysG enabled its purification as a soluble protein. Methyl viologen oxidation assays with purified PA4130 showed that this enzyme is a nitrite reductase operating in a ferredoxin-dependent manner. The preference for nitrite and production of ammonium revealed that PA4130 is an ammonia:ferredoxin nitrite reductase and hence was named NirA.
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29
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Evaluation of ebselen in resolving a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection of pressure ulcers in obese and diabetic mice. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247508. [PMID: 33617589 PMCID: PMC7899319 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pressure ulcers (PUs) are a source of morbidity in individuals with restricted mobility including individuals that are obese or diabetic. Infection of PUs with pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), impairs ulcers from healing. The present study evaluated ebselen as a topical antibacterial to treat MRSA-infected PUs. Against two different S. aureus strains, including MRSA USA300, resistance to ebselen did not emerge after 14 consecutive passages. Resistance to mupirocin emerged after only five passages. Additionally, ebselen was found to exert a modest postantibiotic effect of five hours against two MRSA strains. Ebselen was subsequently evaluated in MRSA-infected PUs in two models using obese and diabetic mice. In obese mice, topical ebselen (89.2% reduction) and oral linezolid (84.5% reduction) similarly reduced the burden of MRSA in infected PUs. However, in diabetic mice, topical ebselen (45.8% reduction in MRSA burden) was less effective. Histopathological evaluation of ulcers in diabetic mice determined that ebselen treatment resulted in fewer bacterial colonies deep within the dermis and that the treatment exhibited evidence of epithelial regeneration. Topical mupirocin was superior to ebselen in reducing MRSA burden in infected PUs both in obese (98.7% reduction) and diabetic (99.3% reduction) mice. Ebselen’s antibacterial activity was negatively impacted as the bacterial inoculum was increased from 105 CFU/mL to 107 CFU/mL. These results suggest that a higher dose of ebselen, or a longer course of treatment, may be needed to achieve a similar effect as mupirocin in topically treating MRSA-infected pressure ulcers.
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30
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Zhang DW, Yan HL, Xu XS, Xu L, Yin ZH, Chang S, Luo H. The selenium-containing drug ebselen potently disrupts LEDGF/p75-HIV-1 integrase interaction by targeting LEDGF/p75. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2020; 35:906-912. [PMID: 32228103 PMCID: PMC7170385 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2020.1743282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lens-epithelium-derived growth-factor (LEDGF/p75)-binding site on HIV-1 integrase (IN), is an attractive target for antiviral chemotherapy. Small-molecule compounds binding to this site are referred as LEDGF-IN inhibitors (LEDGINs). In this study, compound libraries were screened to identify new inhibitors of LEDGF/p75-IN interaction. Ebselen (2-phenyl-1,2-benzisoselenazol-3-one), a reported anti-HIV-1 agent, was identified as a moderate micromolar inhibitor of LEDGF/p75-IN interaction. Ebselen inhibited the interaction by binding to LEDGF/p75 and the ability of ebselen to inhibit the interaction could be reversed by dithiothreitol (DTT). BLI experiment showed that ebselen probably formed selenium-sulphur bonds with reduced thiols in LEDGF/p75. To the best of our knowledge, we showed for the first time that small-molecule compound, ebselen inhibited LEDGF/p75-IN interaction by directly binding to LEDGF/p75. The compound discovered here could be used as probe compounds to design and develop new disrupter of LEDGF/p75-IN interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Wei Zhang
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou, China
| | - Hao-Li Yan
- Center for Food and Drug Evaluation & Inspection of Henan, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Shuang Xu
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Hui Yin
- First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Shan Chang
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou, China
| | - Heng Luo
- College of Life Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China
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31
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Abstract
Ebselen is a synthetic organoselenium radical scavenger compound that possesses glutathione peroxidase-like activity and its own unique bioactivity by reacting with thiols, hydroperoxides and peroxynitrites. Owing to its high affinity toward several essential reactions, ebselen protects cellular components from oxidative and free radical damage, and it has been employed as a useful tool for studying redox-related mechanisms. Based on numerous in vitro and in vivo research, mechanisms are proposed to understand the biomedical and molecular actions of ebselen in health and disease, and it is currently under clinical trials for the prevention and treatment of various human disorders. Based on these outstanding discoveries, this review summarizes the current understanding of the biochemical and molecular characteristics, pharmacological applications and future directions of ebselen.
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32
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Stewart D, Anwar F, Vedantam G. Anti-virulence strategies for Clostridioides difficile infection: advances and roadblocks. Gut Microbes 2020; 12:1802865. [PMID: 33092487 PMCID: PMC7588222 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2020.1802865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a common healthcare- and antibiotic-associated diarrheal disease. If mis-diagnosed, or incompletely treated, CDI can have serious, indeed fatal, consequences. The clinical and economic burden imposed by CDI is great, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has named the causative agent, C. difficile (CD), as an Urgent Threat To US healthcare. CDI is also a significant problem in the agriculture industry. Currently, there are no FDA-approved preventives for this disease, and the only approved treatments for both human and veterinary CDI involve antibiotic use, which, ironically, is associated with disease relapse and the threat of burgeoning antibiotic resistance. Research efforts in multiple laboratories have demonstrated that non-toxin factors also play key roles in CDI, and that these are critical for disease. Specifically, key CD adhesins, as well as other surface-displayed factors have been shown to be major contributors to host cell attachment, and as such, represent attractive targets for anti-CD interventions. However, research on anti-virulence approaches has been more limited, primarily due to the lack of genetic tools, and an as-yet nascent (but increasingly growing) appreciation of immunological impacts on CDI. The focus of this review is the conceptualization and development of specific anti-virulence strategies to combat CDI. Multiple laboratories are focused on this effort, and the field is now at an exciting stage with numerous products in development. Herein, however, we focus only on select technologies (Figure 1) that have advanced near, or beyond, pre-clinical testing (not those that are currently in clinical trial), and discuss roadblocks associated with their development and implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Stewart
- Department of Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Farhan Anwar
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Gayatri Vedantam
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Bio5 Institute for Collaborative Research, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Ma C, Hu Y, Townsend JA, Lagarias PI, Marty MT, Kolocouris A, Wang J. Ebselen, Disulfiram, Carmofur, PX-12, Tideglusib, and Shikonin Are Nonspecific Promiscuous SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2020; 3:1265-1277. [PMID: 33330841 PMCID: PMC7571300 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.0c00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Among the drug targets being investigated
for SARS-CoV-2, the viral
main protease (Mpro) is one of the most extensively studied.
Mpro is a cysteine protease that hydrolyzes the viral polyprotein
at more than 11 sites. It is highly conserved and has a unique substrate
preference for glutamine in the P1 position. Therefore, Mpro inhibitors are expected to have broad-spectrum antiviral activity
and a high selectivity index. Structurally diverse compounds have
been reported as Mpro inhibitors. In this study, we investigated
the mechanism of action of six previously reported Mpro inhibitors, ebselen, disulfiram, tideglusib, carmofur, shikonin,
and PX-12, using a consortium of techniques including FRET-based enzymatic
assay, thermal shift assay, native mass spectrometry, cellular antiviral
assays, and molecular dynamics simulations. Collectively, the results
showed that the inhibition of Mpro by these six compounds
is nonspecific and that the inhibition is abolished or greatly reduced
with the addition of reducing reagent 1,4-dithiothreitol (DTT). Without
DTT, these six compounds inhibit not only Mpro but also
a panel of viral cysteine proteases including SARS-CoV-2 papain-like
protease and 2Apro and 3Cpro from enterovirus
A71 (EV-A71) and EV-D68. However, none of the compounds inhibits the
viral replication of EV-A71 or EV-D68, suggesting that the enzymatic
inhibition potency IC50 values obtained in the absence
of DTT cannot be used to faithfully predict their cellular antiviral
activity. Overall, we provide compelling evidence suggesting that
these six compounds are nonspecific SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors
and urge the scientific community to be stringent with hit validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlong Ma
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Yanmei Hu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Julia Alma Townsend
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Panagiotis I Lagarias
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Michael Thomas Marty
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Antonios Kolocouris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
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Zhang J, Saad R, Taylor EW, Rayman MP. Selenium and selenoproteins in viral infection with potential relevance to COVID-19. Redox Biol 2020; 37:101715. [PMID: 32992282 PMCID: PMC7481318 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Selenium is a trace element essential to human health largely because of its incorporation into selenoproteins that have a wide range of protective functions. Selenium has an ongoing history of reducing the incidence and severity of various viral infections; for example, a German study found selenium status to be significantly higher in serum samples from surviving than non-surviving COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, a significant, positive, linear association was found between the cure rate of Chinese patients with COVID-19 and regional selenium status. Moreover, the cure rate continued to rise beyond the selenium intake required to optimise selenoproteins, suggesting that selenoproteins are probably not the whole story. Nonetheless, the significantly reduced expression of a number of selenoproteins, including those involved in controlling ER stress, along with increased expression of IL-6 in SARS-CoV-2 infected cells in culture suggests a potential link between reduced selenoprotein expression and COVID-19-associated inflammation. In this comprehensive review, we describe the history of selenium in viral infections and then go on to assess the potential benefits of adequate and even supra-nutritional selenium status. We discuss the indispensable function of the selenoproteins in coordinating a successful immune response and follow by reviewing cytokine excess, a key mediator of morbidity and mortality in COVID-19, and its relationship to selenium status. We comment on the fact that the synthetic redox-active selenium compound, ebselen, has been found experimentally to be a strong inhibitor of the main SARS-CoV-2 protease that enables viral maturation within the host. That finding suggests that redox-active selenium species formed at high selenium intake might hypothetically inhibit SARS-CoV-2 proteases. We consider the tactics that SARS-CoV-2 could employ to evade an adequate host response by interfering with the human selenoprotein system. Recognition of the myriad mechanisms by which selenium might potentially benefit COVID-19 patients provides a rationale for randomised, controlled trials of selenium supplementation in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinsong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea & Food Science, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, PR China
| | - Ramy Saad
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK; Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, BN2 5BE, UK
| | - Ethan Will Taylor
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27402, USA
| | - Margaret P Rayman
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK.
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35
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Shergalis A, Xue D, Gharbia FZ, Driks H, Shrestha B, Tanweer A, Cromer K, Ljungman M, Neamati N. Characterization of Aminobenzylphenols as Protein Disulfide Isomerase Inhibitors in Glioblastoma Cell Lines. J Med Chem 2020; 63:10263-10286. [PMID: 32830969 PMCID: PMC8103808 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Disulfide bond formation is a critical post-translational modification of newly synthesized polypeptides in the oxidizing environment of the endoplasmic reticulum and is mediated by protein disulfide isomerase (PDIA1). In this study, we report a series of α-aminobenzylphenol analogues as potent PDI inhibitors. The lead compound, AS15, is a covalent nanomolar inhibitor of PDI, and the combination of AS15 analogues with glutathione synthesis inhibitor buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) leads to synergistic cell growth inhibition. Using nascent RNA sequencing, we show that an AS15 analogue triggers the unfolded protein response in glioblastoma cells. A BODIPY-labeled analogue binds proteins including PDIA1, suggesting that the compounds are cell-permeable and reach the intended target. Taken together, these findings demonstrate an extensive biochemical characterization of a novel series of highly potent reactive small molecules that covalently bind to PDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Shergalis
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Ding Xue
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Fatma Z. Gharbia
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Hannah Driks
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Binita Shrestha
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Amina Tanweer
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Kirin Cromer
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Mats Ljungman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School and Rogel Cancer Center, School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Nouri Neamati
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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Ma C, Hu Y, Townsend JA, Lagarias PI, Marty MT, Kolocouris A, Wang J. Ebselen, disulfiram, carmofur, PX-12, tideglusib, and shikonin are non-specific promiscuous SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2020:2020.09.15.299164. [PMID: 32995786 PMCID: PMC7523112 DOI: 10.1101/2020.09.15.299164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
There is an urgent need for vaccines and antiviral drugs to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Encouraging progress has been made in developing antivirals targeting SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of COVID-19. Among the drug targets being investigated, the viral main protease (M pro ) is one of the most extensively studied drug targets. M pro is a cysteine protease that hydrolyzes the viral polyprotein at more than 11 sites and it is highly conserved among coronaviruses. In addition, M pro has a unique substrate preference for glutamine in the P1 position. Taken together, it appears that M pro inhibitors can achieve both broad-spectrum antiviral activity and a high selectivity index. Structurally diverse compounds have been reported as M pro inhibitors, with several of which also showed antiviral activity in cell culture. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of action of six previously reported M pro inhibitors, ebselen, disulfiram, tideglusib, carmofur, shikonin, and PX-12 using a consortium of techniques including FRET-based enzymatic assay, thermal shift assay, native mass spectrometry, cellular antiviral assays, and molecular dynamics simulations. Collectively, the results showed that the inhibition of M pro by these six compounds is non-specific and the inhibition is abolished or greatly reduced with the addition of reducing reagent DTT. In the absence of DTT, these six compounds not only inhibit M pro , but also a panel of viral cysteine proteases including SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease, the 2A pro and 3C pro from enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) and EV-D68. However, none of the compounds inhibits the viral replication of EV-A71 or EV-D68, suggesting that the enzymatic inhibition potency IC 50 values obtained in the absence of DTT cannot be used to faithfully predict their cellular antiviral activity. Overall, we provide compelling evidence suggesting that ebselen, disulfiram, tideglusib, carmofur, shikonin, and PX-12 are non-specific SARS-CoV-2 M pro inhibitors, and urge the scientific community to be stringent with hit validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlong Ma
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Yanmei Hu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Julia Alma Townsend
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Panagiotis I. Lagarias
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Michael Thomas Marty
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Antonios Kolocouris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
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Abstract
The gut microbiome is an exciting new area of research in chronic liver disease. It has shown promise in expanding our understanding of these complicated disease processes and has opened up new treatment modalities. The aim of this review is to increase understanding of the microbiome and explain the collection and analysis process in the context of liver disease. It also looks at our current understanding of the role of the microbiome in the wide spectrum of chronic liver diseases and how it is being used in current therapies and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley Reuter
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, McGuire VA Medical Center, 1201 Broad Rock Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23249, USA
| | - Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, McGuire VA Medical Center, 1201 Broad Rock Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23249, USA.
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38
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Gondim BLC, da Silva Catarino J, de Sousa MAD, de Oliveira Silva M, Lemes MR, de Carvalho-Costa TM, de Lima Nascimento TR, Machado JR, Rodrigues V, Oliveira CJF, Cançado Castellano LR, da Silva MV. Nanoparticle-Mediated Drug Delivery: Blood-Brain Barrier as the Main Obstacle to Treating Infectious Diseases in CNS. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:3983-3996. [PMID: 31612822 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666191014171354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parasitic infections affecting the central nervous system (CNS) present high morbidity and mortality rates and affect millions of people worldwide. The most important parasites affecting the CNS are protozoans (Plasmodium sp., Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma brucei), cestodes (Taenia solium) and free-living amoebae (Acantamoeba spp., Balamuthia mandrillaris and Naegleria fowleri). Current therapeutic regimens include the use of traditional chemicals or natural compounds that have very limited access to the CNS, despite their elevated toxicity to the host. Improvements are needed in drug administration and formulations to treat these infections and to allow the drug to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). METHODS This work aims to elucidate the recent advancements in the use of nanoparticles as nanoscaled drug delivery systems (NDDS) for treating and controlling the parasitic infections that affect the CNS, addressing not only the nature and composition of the polymer chosen, but also the mechanisms by which these nanoparticles may cross the BBB and reach the infected tissue. RESULTS There is a strong evidence in the literature demonstrating the potential usefulness of polymeric nanoparticles as functional carriers of drugs to the CNS. Some of them demonstrated the mechanisms by which drugloaded nanoparticles access the CNS and control the infection by using in vivo models, while others only describe the pharmacological ability of these particles to be utilized in in vitro environments. CONCLUSION The scarcity of the studies trying to elucidate the compatibility as well as the exact mechanisms by which NDDS might be entering the CNS infected by parasites reveals new possibilities for further exploratory projects. There is an urgent need for new investments and motivations for applying nanotechnology to control parasitic infectious diseases worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenna Louise Cavalcanti Gondim
- Human Immunology Research and Education Group-GEPIH, Technical School of Health, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil.,Post-Graduation Program in Dentistry, Department of Dentistry, State University of Paraíba, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Jonatas da Silva Catarino
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Mariana de Oliveira Silva
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marcela Rezende Lemes
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Tatiana Rita de Lima Nascimento
- Human Immunology Research and Education Group-GEPIH, Technical School of Health, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Juliana Reis Machado
- Department of Pathology, Genetics and Evolution, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Virmondes Rodrigues
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carlo José Freire Oliveira
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lúcio Roberto Cançado Castellano
- Human Immunology Research and Education Group-GEPIH, Technical School of Health, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Marcos Vinicius da Silva
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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39
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Hansen E, Karslake J, Woods RJ, Read AF, Wood KB. Antibiotics can be used to contain drug-resistant bacteria by maintaining sufficiently large sensitive populations. PLoS Biol 2020; 18:e3000713. [PMID: 32413038 PMCID: PMC7266357 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Standard infectious disease practice calls for aggressive drug treatment that rapidly eliminates the pathogen population before resistance can emerge. When resistance is absent, this elimination strategy can lead to complete cure. However, when resistance is already present, removing drug-sensitive cells as quickly as possible removes competitive barriers that may slow the growth of resistant cells. In contrast to the elimination strategy, a containment strategy aims to maintain the maximum tolerable number of pathogens, exploiting competitive suppression to achieve chronic control. Here, we combine in vitro experiments in computer-controlled bioreactors with mathematical modeling to investigate whether containment strategies can delay failure of antibiotic treatment regimens. To do so, we measured the "escape time" required for drug-resistant Escherichia coli populations to eclipse a threshold density maintained by adaptive antibiotic dosing. Populations containing only resistant cells rapidly escape the threshold density, but we found that matched resistant populations that also contain the maximum possible number of sensitive cells could be contained for significantly longer. The increase in escape time occurs only when the threshold density-the acceptable bacterial burden-is sufficiently high, an effect that mathematical models attribute to increased competition. The findings provide decisive experimental confirmation that maintaining the maximum number of sensitive cells can be used to contain resistance when the size of the population is sufficiently large.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Hansen
- Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jason Karslake
- Department of Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Robert J. Woods
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Andrew F. Read
- Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences and Departments of Biology and Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Kevin B. Wood
- Department of Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Physics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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40
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The Clinical Drug Ebselen Attenuates Inflammation and Promotes Microbiome Recovery in Mice after Antibiotic Treatment for CDI. CELL REPORTS MEDICINE 2020; 1. [PMID: 32483557 PMCID: PMC7263476 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2020.100005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is an enteric bacterial disease that is increasing in prevalence worldwide. C. difficile capitalizes on gut inflammation and microbiome dysbiosis to establish infection, with symptoms ranging from watery diarrhea to toxic megacolon. We reported that the safe-in-human clinical drug ebselen (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03013400, NCT01452607, NCT00762671, and NCT02603081) has biochemical, cell-based, and in vivo efficacy against the toxins of C. difficile. Here, we show that ebselen treatment reduces recurrence rates and decreases colitis in a hamster model of relapsing CDI. Furthermore, ebselen treatment does not alter microbiome diversity and promotes recovery back to that of healthy controls after antibiotic-induced dysbiosis in healthy and C. difficile-infected mice. This increased microbiome recovery upon ebselen treatment correlates with a decrease in host-derived inflammatory markers, suggesting that the anti-inflammatory properties of ebselen, combined with its anti-toxin function, help to mitigate the major clinical challenges of CDI, including recurrence, microbial dysbiosis, and colitis. Ebselen protects hamsters from tissue damage caused by C. difficile infection Ebselen treatment reduces reoccurrence of C. difficile infection in hamsters Ebselen increases recovery of microbiome diversity after antibiotic treatment Ebselen reduces host inflammation after antibiotic treatment
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Intestinal bile acids directly modulate the structure and function of C. difficile TcdB toxin. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:6792-6800. [PMID: 32152097 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1916965117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal bile acids are known to modulate the germination and growth of Clostridioides difficile Here we describe a role for intestinal bile acids in directly binding and neutralizing TcdB toxin, the primary determinant of C. difficile disease. We show that individual primary and secondary bile acids reversibly bind and inhibit TcdB to varying degrees through a mechanism that requires the combined oligopeptide repeats region to which no function has previously been ascribed. We find that bile acids induce TcdB into a compact "balled up" conformation that is no longer able to bind cell surface receptors. Lastly, through a high-throughput screen designed to identify bile acid mimetics we uncovered nonsteroidal small molecule scaffolds that bind and inhibit TcdB through a bile acid-like mechanism. In addition to suggesting a role for bile acids in C. difficile pathogenesis, these findings provide a framework for development of a mechanistic class of C. difficile antitoxins.
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42
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Gatta V, Tomašič T, Ilaš J, Zidar N, Peterlin Mašič L, Barančoková M, Frlan R, Anderluh M, Kikelj D, Tammela P. A New Cell-Based AI-2-Mediated Quorum Sensing Interference Assay in Screening of LsrK-Targeted Inhibitors. Chembiochem 2020; 21:1918-1922. [PMID: 32026533 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS), a bacterial communication strategy, has been recognized as one of the control mechanisms of virulence in bacteria. Thus, targeting QS offers an interesting opportunity to impair bacterial pathogenicity and develop antivirulence agents. Aiming to enhance the discovery of QS inhibitors, we developed a bioreporter Escherichia coli JW5505 pET-Plsrlux and set up a cell-based assay for identifying inhibitors of autoinducer-2 (AI-2)-mediated QS. A comparative study on the performance of target- versus cell-based assays was performed, and 91 compounds selected with the potential to target the ATP binding pocket of LsrK, a key enzyme in AI-2 processing, were tested in an LsrK inhibition assay, providing 36 hits. The same set of compounds was tested by the AI-2-mediated QS interference assay, resulting in 24 active compounds. Among those, six were also found to be active against LsrK, whereas 18 might target other components of the pathway. Thus, this AI-2-mediated QS interference cell-based assay is an effective tool for complementing target-based assays, yet also stands as an independent assay for primary screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Gatta
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E (PO Box 56), 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tihomir Tomašič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janez Ilaš
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nace Zidar
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lucija Peterlin Mašič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Michaela Barančoková
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rok Frlan
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Anderluh
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Danijel Kikelj
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Päivi Tammela
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E (PO Box 56), 00014, Helsinki, Finland
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43
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Schomburg L. The other view: the trace element selenium as a micronutrient in thyroid disease, diabetes, and beyond. Hormones (Athens) 2020; 19:15-24. [PMID: 31823341 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-019-00150-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotics are provided for infections caused by bacteria, and statins help to control hypercholesterolemia. When hungry, you need to eat, and when you are deficient in a particular nutrient, the diet should be chosen wisely to provide what is missing. In the matter of providing the essential trace element selenium (Se), there are two different but partly overlapping views on its nature and requirements. Some consider it a medication that should be given to a subset of more or less well-defined (thyroid) patients only, in order to alleviate symptoms, to improve the course of the disease or even to provide a cure, alone or in an adjuvant mode. Such treatment attempts are conducted for a short time period, and potential medical benefits and side effects are evaluated thoroughly. One could also approach Se in medicine in a more holistic way and evaluate primarily the nutritional status of the patient before considering supplementation. The available evidence for positive health effects of supplemental Se can be interpreted as the consequence of correcting deficiency instead of speculating on a direct pharmaceutical action. This short review provides a novel view on Se in (thyroid) disease and beyond and offers an alternative explanation for its positive health effects, i.e., its provision of the substrate needed for allowing adequate endogenous expression of those selenoproteins that are required in certain conditions. In Se deficiency, the lack of the trace element constitutes the main limitation for the required adaptation of selenoprotein expression to counteract health risks and alleviate disease symptoms. Supplemental Se lifts this restriction and enables the full endogenous response of selenoprotein expression. However, since Se does not act as a pharmacological medication per se, it should not be viewed as a dangerous drug, and, importantly, current data show that supplemental Se does not cause diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutz Schomburg
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Suedring 10, D-13353, Berlin, Germany.
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Zheng W, He R, Boada R, Subirana MA, Ginman T, Ottosson H, Valiente M, Zhao Y, Hassan M. A general covalent binding model between cytotoxic selenocompounds and albumin revealed by mass spectrometry and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1274. [PMID: 31988319 PMCID: PMC6985102 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57983-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Selenocompounds (SeCs) are promising therapeutic agents for a wide range of diseases including cancer. The treatment results are heterogeneous and dependent on both the chemical species and the concentration of SeCs. Moreover, the mechanisms of action are poorly revealed, which most probably is due to the detection methods where the quantification is based on the total selenium as an element. To understand the mechanisms underlying the heterogeneous cytotoxicity of SeCs and to determine their pharmacokinetics, we investigated selenium speciation of six SeCs representing different categories using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and the cytotoxicity using leukemic cells. SeCs cytotoxicity was correlated with albumin binding degree as revealed by LC-MS and XAS. Further analysis corroborated the covalent binding between selenol intermediates of SeCs and albumin thiols. On basis of the Se-S model, pharmacokinetic properties of four SeCs were for the first time profiled. In summary, we have shown that cytotoxic SeCs could spontaneously transform into selenol intermediates that immediately react with albumin thiols through Se-S bond. The heterogeneous albumin binding degree may predict the variability in cytotoxicity. The present knowledge will also guide further kinetic and mechanistic investigations in both experimental and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Zheng
- Experimental Cancer Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, 141 86, Sweden.,ECM, Clinical Research Center and Center for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (CAST), Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, 141 86, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rui He
- Experimental Cancer Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, 141 86, Sweden.,ECM, Clinical Research Center and Center for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (CAST), Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, 141 86, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Roberto Boada
- Centre GTS, Department of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | - Maria Angels Subirana
- Centre GTS, Department of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | | | - Håkan Ottosson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, 141 86, Sweden
| | - Manuel Valiente
- Centre GTS, Department of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | - Ying Zhao
- Experimental Cancer Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, 141 86, Sweden. .,ECM, Clinical Research Center and Center for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (CAST), Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, 141 86, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Moustapha Hassan
- Experimental Cancer Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, 141 86, Sweden. .,ECM, Clinical Research Center and Center for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (CAST), Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, 141 86, Stockholm, Sweden.
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45
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Zhang ZJ, Wang YC, Yang X, Hang HC. Chemical Reporters for Exploring Microbiology and Microbiota Mechanisms. Chembiochem 2019; 21:19-32. [PMID: 31730246 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The advances made in bioorthogonal chemistry and the development of chemical reporters have afforded new strategies to explore the targets and functions of specific metabolites in biology. These metabolite chemical reporters have been applied to diverse classes of bacteria including Gram-negative, Gram-positive, mycobacteria, and more complex microbiota communities. Herein we summarize the development and application of metabolite chemical reporters to study fundamental pathways in bacteria as well as microbiota mechanisms in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenrun J Zhang
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Microbial Pathogenesis, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Yen-Chih Wang
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Microbial Pathogenesis, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Xinglin Yang
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Microbial Pathogenesis, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Howard C Hang
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Microbial Pathogenesis, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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46
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Ruberte AC, Sanmartin C, Aydillo C, Sharma AK, Plano D. Development and Therapeutic Potential of Selenazo Compounds. J Med Chem 2019; 63:1473-1489. [PMID: 31638805 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Incorporation of selenium (Se) atom into small molecules can substantially enhance their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antitumoral or chemopreventive, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and neuroprotective effects. Specifically, selenazo compounds have received great attention owing to their chemical properties, pharmaceutical applications, and low toxicity. In this Perspective, we compile extensive literature evidence with the description and discussion of the most recent advances in different selenazo and selenadiazo motifs as potential pharmacological candidates. We also provide some perspectives on the challenges and future directions in the advancement of these selenazo compounds, each of which could generate drug candidates for various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Ruberte
- Departamento de Tecnología y Química Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia y Nutrición , Universidad de Navarra , Irunlarrea 1 , E-31008 Pamplona , Spain
| | - Carmen Sanmartin
- Departamento de Tecnología y Química Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia y Nutrición , Universidad de Navarra , Irunlarrea 1 , E-31008 Pamplona , Spain
| | - Carlos Aydillo
- Departamento de Tecnología y Química Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia y Nutrición , Universidad de Navarra , Irunlarrea 1 , E-31008 Pamplona , Spain
| | - Arun K Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Cancer Institute, CH72 , Penn State College of Medicine , 500 University Drive , Hershey , Pennsylvania 17033 , United States
| | - Daniel Plano
- Departamento de Tecnología y Química Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia y Nutrición , Universidad de Navarra , Irunlarrea 1 , E-31008 Pamplona , Spain.,Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Cancer Institute, CH72 , Penn State College of Medicine , 500 University Drive , Hershey , Pennsylvania 17033 , United States
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47
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Rogan MR, Patterson LL, Wang JY, McBride JW. Bacterial Manipulation of Wnt Signaling: A Host-Pathogen Tug-of-Wnt. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2390. [PMID: 31681283 PMCID: PMC6811524 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The host-pathogen interface is a crucial battleground during bacterial infection in which host defenses are met with an array of bacterial counter-mechanisms whereby the invader aims to make the host environment more favorable to survival and dissemination. Interestingly, the eukaryotic Wnt signaling pathway has emerged as a key player in the host and pathogen tug-of-war. Although studied for decades as a regulator of embryogenesis, stem cell maintenance, bone formation, and organogenesis, Wnt signaling has recently been shown to control processes related to bacterial infection in the human host. Wnt signaling pathways contribute to cell cycle control, cytoskeleton reorganization during phagocytosis and cell migration, autophagy, apoptosis, and a number of inflammation-related events. Unsurprisingly, bacterial pathogens have evolved strategies to manipulate these Wnt-associated processes in order to enhance infection and survival within the human host. In this review, we examine the different ways human bacterial pathogens with distinct host cell tropisms and lifestyles exploit Wnt signaling for infection and address the potential of harnessing Wnt-related mechanisms to combat infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison R. Rogan
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - LaNisha L. Patterson
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Jennifer Y. Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Jere W. McBride
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
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48
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Heine V, Boesveld S, Pelantová H, Křen V, Trautwein C, Strnad P, Elling L. Identifying Efficient Clostridium difficile Toxin A Binders with a Multivalent Neo-Glycoprotein Glycan Library. Bioconjug Chem 2019; 30:2373-2383. [PMID: 31479241 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.9b00486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile infections cause gastrointestinal disorders and can lead to life-threatening conditions. The symptoms can vary from severe diarrhea to the formation of pseudomembranous colitis and therefore trigger a need for new therapies. The initial step of disease is the binding of the bacterial enterotoxins toxin A and B to the cell surface of epithelial intestinal cells. Scavenging of the toxins is crucial to inhibit their fatal effect in the human body and circumvent the administration of antibiotics. Cell surface glycans are common as ligands for TcdA. Although crucial for carbohydrate-protein interactions, a multivalent presentation of glycans for binding has been hardly considered. Here, we establish a neo-glycoprotein-based glycan library to identify an effective multivalent glycan ligand for TcdA. It comprises 40 different glycan epitopes based on N-acetyllactosamine precursors. Nine structures exhibit strong binding of the receptor domain. Among them, the Lewisy-Lewisx-epitope shows the best performance for binding both the receptor domain and the holotoxin. Therefore, the glycan was synthesized de novo and coupled to BSA as a scaffold for multivalent presentation. The corresponding neo-glycoprotein facilitates the proper scavenging of TcdA in vitro and effectively protects HT29 cells from TcdA-induced cell damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Heine
- Laboratory for Biomaterials, Institute for Biotechnology and Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering , RWTH Aachen University , Pauwelsstrasse 20 , 52074 Aachen , Germany
| | - Sarah Boesveld
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital , RWTH Aachen University , Pauwelsstrasse 30 , 52074 Aachen , Germany
| | - Helena Pelantová
- Institute of Microbiology , Czech Academy of Sciences , Vídeňská 1083 , 14220 Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Křen
- Institute of Microbiology , Czech Academy of Sciences , Vídeňská 1083 , 14220 Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Christian Trautwein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital , RWTH Aachen University , Pauwelsstrasse 30 , 52074 Aachen , Germany
| | - Pavel Strnad
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital , RWTH Aachen University , Pauwelsstrasse 30 , 52074 Aachen , Germany
| | - Lothar Elling
- Laboratory for Biomaterials, Institute for Biotechnology and Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering , RWTH Aachen University , Pauwelsstrasse 20 , 52074 Aachen , Germany
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49
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Kumar A, Ellermann M, Sperandio V. Taming the Beast: Interplay between Gut Small Molecules and Enteric Pathogens. Infect Immun 2019; 87:e00131-19. [PMID: 31262983 PMCID: PMC6704596 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00131-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The overuse of antibiotics has led to the evolution of drug-resistant bacteria that are becoming increasingly dangerous to human health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, antibiotic-resistant bacteria cause at least 2 million illnesses and 23,000 deaths in the United States annually. Traditionally, antibiotics are bactericidal or bacteriostatic agents that place selective pressure on bacteria, leading to the expansion of antibiotic-resistant strains. In addition, antibiotics that are effective against some pathogens can also exacerbate their pathogenesis and may lead to severe progression of the disease. Therefore, alternative strategies are needed to treat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. One novel approach is to target bacterial virulence to prevent or limit pathogen colonization, while also minimizing tissue damage and disease comorbidities in the host. This review focuses on the interactions between enteric pathogens and naturally occurring small molecules in the human gut as potential therapeutic targets for antivirulence strategies. Individual small molecules in the intestines modulate enteric pathogen virulence and subsequent intestinal fitness and colonization. Targeted interruption of pathogen sensing of these small molecules could therefore attenuate their virulence. This review highlights the paths of discovery for new classes of antimicrobials that could potentially mitigate the urgent problem of antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aman Kumar
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Melissa Ellermann
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Vanessa Sperandio
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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50
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Yang J, Yang H. Antibacterial Activity of Bifidobacterium breve Against Clostridioides difficile. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:288. [PMID: 31440478 PMCID: PMC6693512 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bifidobacterium breve (YH68) is widely used in the fields of food fermentation and biomedicine. In this study, we explored the antibacterial activity of the cell free culture supernatant (CFCS) of YH68 against Clostridioides difficile ATCC 9689 (CD) by measuring multiple indexes, including the growth, spores production, toxin A/B production, and the expression levels of the tcdA and tcdB genes of CD. In addition, we examined the changes in major cellular functional groups, structures, permeability, integrity, and the proton motive force (PMF) of the cytoplasmic membrane. The results showed that double-dilution ratio of YH68-CFCS (3 × 109 CFU/mL) was the MIC value. The cell density, spores production, and the toxin production of CD treated with YH68-CFCS were lower than that of the control (p < 0.05). In addition, the gene expression levels of tcdA and tcdB in CD treated with YH68-CFCS were significant downregulated (p < 0.05). Marked differences were observed in the cell membrane and cell wall by a FT-IR spectroscopy and SEM. Analysis of the cell membrane permeability and integrity of the CD cells revealed that YH68-CFCS induced the leakage of a large amount of intracellular K+, inorganic phosphate, ATP, nucleic acids and proteinaceous substances. Furthermore, PMF analysis indicated that there was a significant change in Δψ and ΔpH. These findings demonstrated that the antibacterial activity of YH68-CFCS against CD involved the inhibition of growth, spore production, toxin production, and virulence genes expression; a consumption of PMF in the cytoplasmic membrane, the formation of pore in the cell membrane, together with the enhanced cell membrane permeability; and, eventually, cell completely disintegration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingpeng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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